Illinois

Chicago

60181

Founder-President

Preparedness Matters Disaster Consulting

Member IAEM, Board Member Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, Member Black Emergency Managers Association

Nationwide

Full Speed Ahead…. Navigating the Complexities of Corporate Emergency Management

This presentation discusses the important role emergency managers play in private sector companies, and the advantages and disadvantages for professionals working in corporate settings. It provides tips on how to navigate complex corporate cultures, the importance of distinguishing the emergency manager's role from business continuity and crisis management, and anecdotal stories from the speaker's experiences working at Fortune 500 Companies.

Full Speed Ahead - Challenges of Emergency Management in a Corporate Environment

This presentation discusses Continuity from a corporate perspective and the synergies and conflicts faced by hiring and integrating emergency managers into corporate environments. I discuss corporate cultures, hiring practices, and examples from my experience at fortune 100 companies Walgreens, Sony, and Amazon.

Beyond the Preparedness Placebo -Six Steps To Resilient Communities

This presentation explores the challenges facing communities post-disaster, why individual preparedness has failed to resonate, and clear steps to a path for addressing 'disaster apathy' and changing outcomes for disaster affected communities.

Why Preparedness Matters for Underserved Communities

This presentation re-examines the premises set forth in my 2012 book "Lost and Turned Out - A Guide To Preparing Underserved Communities for Disaster. It takes a fresh look at the recent response failures of Hurricane Maria and other catastrophes and makes linkages to social justice, disparities in pre-disaster funding, lack of diversity in the emergency management field, and the disproportionate survival rates in communities of color.

Every year, disasters cause devastation to families and communities. If you have personally never been affected by a disaster, chances are you will. Eighty-percent of Americans live in areas that have experienced major natural disasters since 2007.

My career in emergency management has been an incredible journey. I've been blessed to work with some of the best professionals in the industry, learning and collaborating to transform organizations and preparing communities nationwide. Throughout my career I have developed lifelong friendships, and established an outstanding network of disaster experts with decades of experience that I rely upon daily. More importantly, I chase passions, not paychecks.

I believe our work as emergency managers is a special calling that transcends our personal pursuits, fueled by a deeper desire to make a difference and to save lives and reduce suffering for people in disasters. Only after we have done all we can to prepare, can we then leave the outcome to the Creator.

Recognized as Top Speaker - DEMCON Toronto Conference 2018, with highest rating in 15-year history
Voted Top 3 Emergency Managers on LinkedIn (Base Camp) 2018

U.S. Military Veteran (Retired) 23-years service
Certified Emergency Manager (IAEM) and Past Chair of Children In Disaster Caucus
Graduate - FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (2019)
Board Member - Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management

Yes

Strict: 50% refund up until 1 month prior to event, except fees (travel and service)